I recently got an email from a bride asking me for advice on what to ask makeup artists before she chooses one. So I got to thinking and came up with a list of five things you absolutely must ask a makeup artist before hiring them.
via Pinterest
1) Ask the artist for photos of brides they’ve done makeup on
This will help you see their work, a photo speaks volumes of a makeup artist’s ability and I recommend asking to see examples of past work. You wouldn’t buy a wedding dress without seeing the designer’s quality of work, so don’t make the same mistake with your wedding makeup artist!
2) Get a trial
If you can, get a trial! Usually, brides start scheduling their trial appointments 6 months prior the wedding, and more in advanced if the makeup artist is in high demand (particularly in the Pakistani/Indian wedding industry). You can negotiation to have the trial cost discounted or included in the day-of rate if you end up going with the artist.
3) Ask what brands makeup is used
This may or may not be important to brides, but, I would like to know what kind of makeup will be used. I asked if an artist airbrushed and also made sure to find out what my eyelash options were. My favorite brands for face are: Make Up For Ever, MAC, Nars, and Bobbi Brown (they have great colors for Indian/Pakistani skin tones).
4) Ask them how they would do your makeup (Face Chart!)
Urban Decay Face Chart
If you have the misfortune of living far from the wedding site or simply don’t want to pay for a trial, ask them to fill out a face chart with the colors they would use on you. Ask them to tell you how they would accent your face and highlight your features. If they can confidently tell you they will “slenderize” your nose by using xyz highlight techniques, they kudos to them. (I still highly recommend trials if you can get them!)
5) Ask how many weddings they have done in the past year
It’s important to know how many weddings an artist typically does because the more experienced in-demand artist is probably better at their art. This is also important so that you can talk to brides who have used the artist to find out how they felt about the makeup artist. You wouldn’t hire an employee without a reference… don’t hire a makeup artist without one either!
I hope this list helps out. Do you have anything else you would add to this? If you’re a makeup artist, what would you add to this list?
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